DEP Warns Against Illegally Opened Fire Hydrants Amid Record-Breaking Heatwave

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Illegally opened fire hydrants reduce water pressure, make
firefighting more difficult, cause discolored water, and
waste 1000 gallons of water per minute.
With high temperatures expected to continue through Wednesday,
June 25th, the New York City Department of Environmental
Protection DEP is warning New Yorkers about the dangers of

(00:22):
illegally opening fire hydrants.Illegally opened hydrants
release more than 1000 gallons of water per minute, which can
drastically reduce water pressure.
This puts lives at risk by compromising firefighting
operations and reducing water supply to residents and critical
facilities. Illegally opening a fire hydrant

(00:45):
can result in fines of up to 1000, imprisonment for up to 30
days, or both. New Yorkers are urged to report
leaking, running, or illegally opened hydrants by calling 311
immediately. Additionally, when hydrants are
opened without proper tools, it can stir up sediments, which

(01:05):
results in discolored water. While not harmful, discolored
water should not be consumed. Residents are advised to run
their tap until the water is clear and cold.
To better manage this issue, DEPhas deployed its mobile command
bus to strategic locations across the city.

(01:26):
This allows DEP to monitor open hydrant complaints, flow rates
and low water pressure reports in real time.
Staffing levels have been increased to support hydrant
patrol operations, enabling DEP to quickly dispatch field teams
to close hydrants and assist theFDNY with any water related
issues. Fire hydrants can be opened

(01:49):
legally if fitted with a city approved spray cap, which
releases only 20 to 25 gallons per minute.
This helps maintain water pressure and reduces the risk of
someone, particularly a child, being injured by the force of
the water. Spray caps can be requested by
an adult 18 or over free of charge at local fire houses.

(02:14):
If you observe a running hydrant, please report it
immediately by using the NYC 311mobile app or by calling 311.
Quick reporting helps DEP respond rapidly and maintain
safe, reliable water service. To report via the app, open the
NYC 311 app, tap request, tap Running hydrant, enter the

(02:40):
location and submit, or simply call 311 and provide the
location details. DEP manages New York City S
water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons
of high quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million
residents, including 8.3 millionin New York City.

(03:02):
The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than
125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and
three controlled lakes. Approximately 7000 miles of
water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes
and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7500 miles of

(03:25):
sewer lines and 96 pump stationstake wastewater to 14 in city
treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and
safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the air and noise
codes and asbestos rules. For more information, visit NYC
Gov DEP Like us on Facebook or follow us on X.